Keller said golden eagle females are slightly smaller than the more-famous bald eagle and tend to hunt more and scavenge less. Their particular favorite prey in northern Utah is the black-tailed jackrabbit.

The resident of suburban Salt Lake City studies golden eagles and provides population information to state wildlife authorities. Erickson called Keller "the hero in this story."

It's too early to tell whether Phoenix will be ableto fly in the wild. Rehabilitation will take at least a year and his feathers won't fully molt until mid-2013.

"We are fairly confident, but there could be follicle damage we do not know about that would prevent feathers from coming in," Erickson said.

The nonprofit center, which treats about 1,800 animals a year, is accepting financial and food donations to offset the cost of caring for the golden eagle.

"He is doing well and we are very positive about his outcome right now," said Erickson. "(But) these types of things can turn at any moment."